Bipolar disorder

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious psychological condition that causes individuals to experience extreme shifts in mood, attitude, behavior and energy. Sufferers of bipolar disorder experience manic highs and depressive lows which can last for prolonged periods of time.

An individual experiencing bipolar disorder will find symptoms worsen over the years. Since the disorder carries with it an increased risk of suicide, drug and alcohol addiction, it is important for individuals with bipolar disorder to seek professional treatment.

What are the effects of bipolar disorder?

Individuals experiencing bipolar disorder will experience extreme manic highs and extreme depressive lows. The mood swings experienced in individuals suffering from bipolar disorder can lasts for weeks or even months, and inhibit the ability to function and maintain relationships.

Bipolar symptoms commonly expressed by patients include:

Extreme highs or optimism, followed by despair, sadness or emotional numbness

Severe irritability and/or angry outbursts

False, unrealistic and inflated beliefs about one’s talents and capacities

Increased rates of speech and thoughts

Trouble focusing on tasks or concentrating

Diminished capacity for judgment

Uncontrolled spontaneity without a sense of consequences

Delusional thinking and hallucinations

Inability to experience pleasure

Tiredness

Physical and mental laziness

Appetite/weight changes

Trouble sleeping or extreme changes in sleeping patterns

Inability to remember things

Feelings of despair, insignificance, unworthiness, or guilt

Preoccupation with death or ideas about suicide

Individuals experiencing the above symptoms should seek professional help to see if their condition is, in fact, bipolar disorder and how they can regain control over their lives.